Healing Gardens: A Community Space for Growth

Autumn’s Rainbow Community Garden Pilot

At Autumn’s Rainbow Youth Community Center, healing happens not only through conversation, but through connection—to the earth, to community, and to self. We are excited to launch Healing Gardens, a new community garden pilot designed to support youth growth, wellness, and empowerment in Detroit.

Healing Gardens is a trauma-informed, youth-centered initiative serving middle and high school students (ages 12–18), including youth who may have IEPs, 504 Plans, behavioral support needs, or exposure to ongoing stress and instability. The garden provides a safe, calming space where young people can slow down, build trust with caring adults, and experience success through hands-on learning.

Through guided mentorship and structured activities, youth learn how to plant, grow, and care for fruits, vegetables, and herbs—while also building responsibility, teamwork, and patience. Gardening becomes a tool for mindfulness, emotional regulation, and confidence-building, helping youth see how consistent care leads to growth.

Healing Gardens goes beyond planting. Participants are introduced to lessons in nutrition, sustainability, and basic financial literacy, with opportunities to share or sell produce and connect their efforts to real-world skills. Youth also take part in shared decision-making and leadership roles, strengthening their sense of ownership and purpose.

This pilot reflects Autumn’s Rainbow’s commitment to walking alongside youth—not fixing them—by creating spaces that affirm their strengths and potential. Healing Gardens is about growing more than food; it’s about cultivating hope, resilience, and community—one seed at a time.

Get Involved

We are now welcoming mentors who are willing to show up consistently, work alongside youth, and model care, patience, and accountability in the garden. No gardening experience is required—just a commitment to relationship and growth.

We are also enrolling mentees (ages 12–18) who want a safe space to learn, grow, and connect with supportive adults and peers.

Join us as a mentor, enroll a young person, or learn more about Healing Gardens. Together, we can grow healing, opportunity, and leadership—rooted in community.

A tranquil healing garden featuring a variety of plants and seating areas for community gatherings.